Nelson had been at the Holiday Station at English Street and Highway 36 with his girlfriend Monday morning, and had stepped inside the store for about two minutes when the vehicle was stolen with the dogs inside, he said.

The suspect's sister met Nelson at a gas station later Monday to return the dogs, whom he said were fine but a little stressed. Nelson said he contacted Maplewood police to provide the update. Police confirmed the dogs had been returned.

The sister told Nelson her brother "is not the greatest guy," and that she was unsure where his vehicle was. Nelson said the vehicle is a 2013 black Ford Fusion with some damage to the rear driver's side bumper. The license plate reads 2GD-309.

Maplewood police released an image of the suspect via Facebook Monday. The post had been shared more than 4,000 times by late evening Monday.